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The number of times in which Liverpool’s pursuit of a player is rivalled by other clubs makes it a miracle that we managed to lure Luis Suarez to Merseyside in the first place.

It is staggering just how often we are pushed aside by fellow Premier League teams when it comes to trying to recruit big name signings. James Rodriguez could well be the latest example.

The Real Madrid star is reportedly looking for a move elsewhere having failed to secure a regular first team place under Zinedine Zidane. Liverpool are believed to be keen, along with a number of top European sides.

In his weekly Sky Sports column, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has spoken out on the chances of the Colombian moving to Anfield, confirming the club’s interest but also turning a focus towards other and perhaps more lucrative offers.

In response to a question on Twitter regarding whether Liverpool are interested, he said: “Of course they are, but they aren’t the only one. Liverpool are realistic and I think they realise James is looking for a different type of team.”

“But he is leaving the door open to all possibilities because he knows Real Madrid want to get rid of him. He would like to go to a club like Chelsea or Manchester United and he has offers from England and Italy but we will have to wait and see.”

A number of different factors promise to have an impact on where the 25-year-old ends up. Qualifying for the Champions League leads the way in that regard and is something Liverpool must achieve to stand any chance of bringing in a player that knows he needs to be competing with Europe’s best.

The future of Alexis Sanchez could interestingly have an impact. Rumours of the Chilean potentially moving to Chelsea would likely rule the league leaders out of the race for Rodriguez and potentially open the door to Arsenal trying to sign the attacking midfielder.